The chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA, Abubakar, has passed on aged 92.
Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric who gained national and international recognition for sheltering Christians during the 2018 Plateau attacks, is dead.
Abubakar, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA, passed on aged 92.
The late imam made headlines when he opened his mosque and home to hundreds of people fleeing violence by armed men.
He hid at least 300 Christians in the mosque and refused to hand them over to assailants baying for blood.
The incident occurred on June 23, 2018, when suspected bandits attacked communities across Barkin Ladi, killing scores of residents.
As the crowd scampered for safety, Abubakar provided shelter to those who ran his way, until calm returned.
His selfless action earned him accolades at home and abroad.
He was nominated for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the federal government and received a handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his bravery.
In 2019, the United States awarded him the International Religious Freedom Award.
The US Department of State cited his courage in risking his life to save others.
In interviews after the incident, Abubakar described saving lives as a principle he upheld regardless of religion, saying he acted out of compassion and respect for humanity.
